house Resolution No.44

Reps. Haadsma, Kuppa, Hope, O'Neal, Witwer, Shannon, Garza, Manoogian, Stone, Brabec, Sowerby, Rogers, Tyrone Carter, Puri, Bolden, Sneller, Cherry, Hood, Steckloff, Weiss, Sabo, Cambensy, Breen, Jones and Anthony offered the following resolution:

A resolution to memorialize the federal government to continue to stand with the Burmese people against the military coup in Burma.

Whereas, On February 1, 2021, the military of Burma carried out a coup against the nation's government. Aung San Suu Kyi, the democratically elected civilian leader, was placed under house arrest and charged with violating an obscure importation law. Other prominent members of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party were also detained; and

Whereas, In the days since the coup, the military has limited basic rights and used violence against protestors. A national curfew has been imposed and gatherings of more than five people have been outlawed. Police have fired into crowds with live ammunition and at least one protestor has been critically wounded; and

Whereas, Despite threats to their health and safety, the Burmese people have stood against this assault on their democracy. Protests have continued to grow and symbols of resistance have become ubiquitous throughout the country; and

Whereas, The U.S. government has taken important steps to oppose the military takeover in Burma. The State Department has officially declared the takeover a coup d'état. President Joe Biden recently imposed sanctions on the generals responsible for the coup; and

Whereas, Continued solidarity of the United States with the Burmese people will be crucial in returning democracy to Burma. As the leader of the free world, it is the duty of America to use its power and influence to advocate for an end to military rule; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the federal government to continue to stand with the Burmese people against the military coup in Burma; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.